How to Add Late Summer Colour to Borders

As the heat of summer fades away, it can be difficult to keep your garden looking vibrant and colourful. However, there are many ways to add late summer colour to borders and keep your outdoor space looking beautiful well into autumn. In this article, we'll explore some tips and tricks for adding a pop of colour to your garden, even as the days grow shorter.

Choose Vibrant Late-Blooming Plants

One of the best ways to add late summer colour to your borders is by choosing plants that bloom in the late summer or early fall. Some great options include dahlias, asters, and sedum. These plants come in a range of colours, from bright pinks and oranges to deep purples and reds, and will provide a stunning focal point for your garden as the seasons change.

When choosing plants, it's important to consider their growing requirements, such as soil type and sun exposure, to ensure they thrive in your garden. You may also want to think about the height and spread of the plant, as well as its overall shape and texture, to create a balanced and visually appealing border.

Incorporate Seasonal Foliage

In addition to late-blooming flowers, incorporating seasonal foliage is another way to add colour and interest to your garden. For example, you could plant ornamental grasses, which often have colourful blades that turn shades of gold, red, and purple in the autumn. Alternatively, you could plant shrubs with colourful leaves, such as the Japanese maple, which has stunning red and orange foliage in the fall.

By combining different types of foliage with late-blooming flowers, you can create a dynamic and layered border that looks beautiful throughout the changing seasons.

Add Colourful Accents

If you're looking for a quick and easy way to add some late-summer colour to your borders, consider adding some colourful accents. For example, you could place brightly coloured ceramic pots or containers filled with seasonal flowers along the edge of your border. Or, you could hang baskets of trailing annuals, such as petunias or lobelia, from a fence or trellis.

Another option is to use colourful garden ornaments, such as birdhouses, statues, or wind chimes, to add a pop of colour and visual interest to your garden. Just be sure to choose objects that complement the overall style and aesthetic of your garden.

Think Outside the Box

Finally, don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to adding late summer colour to your borders. For example, you could create a living wall using succulents, or plant a vertical garden using a variety of different herbs and vegetables.

You could also incorporate unique features, such as a small water feature or a fire pit, to add interest and create a focal point within your garden.

With these tips and tricks, you can easily add late summer colour to borders and keep your garden looking vibrant and beautiful well into the autumn months. Whether you choose to incorporate late-blooming flowers, seasonal foliage, colourful accents, or unique features, the possibilities are endless when it comes to creating a stunning and visually appealing outdoor space.

Dahlias are a great option for adding late summer colour to your borders.

Japanese maple leaves provide stunning colour in the fall.

Colourful ceramic pots can add a pop of colour to your garden.

late blooming plants, ornamental grasses, colourful accents, living walls, water features, fire pits